1/19/26: Clarifying Your Values: The Quiet Key to Confidence, Boundaries, and Balance

I talk a lot about priorities, but when was the last time you thought about your values?  

First, let’s talk about the difference.  Priorities are the people, places, and things that take precedence in your life.  Values are the principals that guide you through life…and business.  Often, your personal and professional values will be the same.  

I have been incredibly blessed to be accepted into a local Women in Leadership Cohort and the very first session, very first speaker, had us go through an exercise to name our values.  I sort of felt like a hot shot because I had just put them to paper when doing my 2026 goals.  She gave us a sheet of 75-100 values and we had to get from our top 20 to our top five.   At the end, my values were what I want people to see and feel when I engage in life in business.

So why do you need to connect with your values and clearly understand them?  

As you make life and business decisions now or in the future, your values will likely drive those decisions.  Anytime I feel caught up in my thoughts about whether something is right or wrong, whether in life or business, I think about my value and decide if it fits.  I also make sure it connects to my mission (which we’ll talk about next week).  I’m going to take a little time to share my personal/professional values and why they’re important.  

Balance.  It is no secret that I live my life “family first”.  Everything else will be given time and space around my husband and kids.   I unapologetically expect everyone to respect that balance.  

Honesty.  I firmly believe in honesty and transparency.  

Integrity.  You may think this is the same as honesty, but it is not.  This is me deciding that I will make choices that don’t necessarily benefit me, but are better for the greater good.  

Authenticity.  I will NOT be anyone or anything other than what I am.  

Professionalism.  Just because I don’t dress fancy or wear makeup (see “authenticity”) does not mean I will not conduct myself as a professional.  Whether it is in my coaching business, my volunteer positions, or with an employer, I am always representing myself in a positive and professional manner.  

Empathy.  I will be the first to admit, I am not great at sympathy, but I’ve always done well with absorbing the feelings of those around me.  Empathy has always been natural, but in the past three years, I find it a lot easier to give others space and grace.

Compassion.  Sometimes it requires work, but I do my best not to judge people for their situation and give them the respect they deserve (when they’ve earned it).    

If your decisions feel hard, I’d challenge you to take a little time to visit or revisit your values. You will be amazed at how a clear understanding will make decision-making far easier-in life and business.